Surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes steam delivery. The apparatus includes a hand-carried body adapted to be hand carried by a user, the hand-carried body having a main housing, a supply tank, and a heater. A flexible hose is mounted to the hand-carried body and a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose. The tool has a liquid distributor to deliver liquid cleaning fluid and a steam distributor to deliver steam. Various features for controlling the operation of electrical component of the extraction cleaner are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/294,890, filed Dec. 30, 2021, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Extractors are well-known surface cleaning devices for deep cleaningcarpets and other fabric surfaces, such as upholstery. Most extractorscomprise a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The fluiddelivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks forstoring a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying thecleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduitfor delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to thefluid distributor. The fluid recovery system usually comprises arecovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluidcommunication with the recovery tank through a conduit, and a source ofsuction in fluid communication with the conduit to draw the cleaningfluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and theconduit to the recovery tank. Other wet cleaning apparatuses includesteam cleaners that dispense steam, and spot cleaners that may dispenseliquid and scrub the surface, but do not recover liquid.

Extractors and other wet cleaners can be adapted to be hand-carried by auser, and in some cases include a hose coupled with a tool carrying thefluid distributor and nozzle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery is provided herein. Incertain embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is a portableextraction cleaner or portable deep cleaner adapted to be hand carriedby a user to carpeted areas of cleaning relatively small areas, such assmall rugs and upholstery. Steam delivery can be provided through a handtool of the portable extraction cleaner.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the apparatus includes ahand-carried body adapted to be hand carried by a user, the hand-carriedbody having a main housing, a supply tank, a liquid supply pump, a steamsupply pump, and a heater, a flexible hose mounted to the hand-carriedbody, and a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose.

In one of its aspects, the apparatus has a first pressure relief devicein a supply path between the supply tank and the hose to limit thepressure in the fluid path, the first pressure relief device configuredto open at a predetermined set pressure.

In another of its aspects, the apparatus has a second pressure reliefdevice in a supply path between the heater and the hose to limit thepressure in the fluid path, the second pressure relief device configuredto open at a predetermined negative set pressure.

In another of its aspects, the apparatus has a pressure control deviceto cut off power to the steam supply pump at a predetermined controlpressure.

In yet another of its aspects, the apparatus has a temperature switch tocontrol power to the steam supply pump, wherein the temperature switchsenses temperature at the heater and powers the steam supply pump at apredetermined minimum temperature.

In still another of its aspects, the apparatus has a temperature switchto cut off power to the heater at a predetermined temperature.

In a further aspect, the apparatus has a single trigger controllingliquid and steam dispensing.

In yet a further aspect, the apparatus has a user interface on the mainhousing, the user interface including a power button to activate andde-active at least one electrical component of the extraction cleaner,and a mode selector to select one of a plurality of cleaning modes,wherein the mode selector comprises a dial surrounding the power button.In some aspects, a vacuum motor remains actuated/on in each of thecleaning modes.

In still a further aspect, the apparatus has a recovery system includinga vacuum motor mounted within the main housing and a recovery tankdisposed on the main housing, and the hand-held cleaning tool comprisesan extraction nozzle to recover soiled cleaning fluid from the surfaceto be cleaned.

The embodiments of a surface cleaning apparatus with steam disclosedherein enable a better cleaning experience. Selectively dispensing steamwhen and where it is needed provides a better spot and stain cleaningexperience.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following description of particularembodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawingsand appended claims.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. In addition, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any referenceto claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to includeany one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z,for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable extraction cleaner with steamdispensing according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the portable extraction cleaner from FIG.1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view showing a trigger and valve-actuatorassembly taken through line III-III of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a user interface of the portable extractioncleaner from FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is an electrical system schematic for the portable extractioncleaner of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portable extraction cleaner with steamdispensing according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a user interface of the portable extractioncleaner from FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an electrical system schematic for the portable extractioncleaner of FIG. 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view similar to FIG. 1 , showing a trigger andvalve-actuator assembly according to a fifth embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the valve-actuator assembly ofFIG. 9 , with the trigger shown in phantom line for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus withsteam delivery. Aspects of the disclosure described herein relate to asurface cleaning apparatus that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface tobe cleaned, such as an extraction cleaner that also extracts cleaningfluid and debris from the surface. Aspects of the disclosure describedherein are further related to a portable extraction cleaner (e.g. a deepcleaner) that is adapted to be hand carried by a user to carpeted,upholstered, and other areas for cleaning relatively small areas.

FIGS. 1-2 show a surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery in theform of a portable extraction cleaner 10 according to a first embodimentof the invention. The extraction cleaner 10 includes a hand-carried bodyincluding a main housing 12, a fluid delivery system 14 configured tostore cleaning fluid and to deliver the cleaning fluid to the surface tobe cleaned, and a fluid recovery system 16 configured to remove thefluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and to store therecovered fluid and debris.

The fluid delivery system 14 can more particularly be a liquid/steamdelivery system 14 configured to store cleaning fluid and to deliver thecleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned as liquid, steam, or both.As discussed in further detail below, the portable extraction cleaner 10is provided with various features and improvements related to steamdelivery, which are described in further detail below.

For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms upper,lower, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to theexemplary extraction cleaner 10 as oriented in FIG. 1 , with theextraction cleaner 10 resting on a surface or being carried by the carryhandle. However, it is to be understood that aspects of the presentdisclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except whereexpressly specified to the contrary.

The main housing 12 is adapted to selectively mount components of thefluid delivery system 14 and the fluid recovery system 16 to form aneasy-to-carry unit that can be transported by a user to differentlocations with surfaces to be cleaned. The extraction cleaner 10 isadapted to be hand carried by a user to carpeted areas for cleaningrelatively small areas and extract cleaning fluid and debris from thesurface. Additional, non-limiting examples of areas that can be cleanedinclude area rugs, upholstery, vehicle interiors, drapery, andmattresses.

The fluid delivery system 14 can include a supply tank 18 for storing asupply of cleaning fluid, a liquid distributor 20 provided on ahand-held cleaning tool 22, and a steam distributor 24 provided on ahand-held cleaning tool 22. A heater 26 is provided in the flow pathbetween the supply tank 18 and the steam distributor 24 to heat thecleaning fluid to produce steam.

The cleaning fluid stored by the supply tank 18 can comprise one or moreof any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water,compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., andmixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of waterand concentrated detergent. The cleaning fluid can be stored in liquidform.

The supply tank 18 can be refillable, and can be formed of a transparentor tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view thecontents thereof. The supply tank 18 can be removably mounted on themain housing 12.

The heater 26 preferably heats the cleaning fluid to about 100° C.,where “about” includes ±10° C. This temperature may be the temperatureat the steam distributor 24. Since some heat loss between the outlet ofthe heater 26 and the steam distributor 24 is possible, the setpoint ofthe heater 26 may be higher. One non-limiting example of a setpoint forthe heater 26 is from about 165 to about 180° C. Some non-limitingexamples of a suitable heater 26 include, but are not limited to, aflash heater, a boiler, an immersion heater, and a flow-through steamgenerator.

The heater 26 may produce steam. As used herein, the term “steam”includes a liquid, such as but not limited to water or solutionscontaining water (like water mixed with a cleaning chemistry, fragrance,etc.), at least partially converted to a gas or vapor phase. The liquidcan be boiled or otherwise converted to the gas or vapor phase byheating or mechanical action like nebulizing. In other embodiments, theheater 26 produces heated cleaning fluid in a mixture of vapor phase andliquid phase. It is also understood that, regardless of the phase ofcleaning fluid output by the heater 26, the phase composition of thecleaning fluid may change between the heater 26 and the steamdistributor 24, with heat loss and/or condensation returning a portionof the fluid in the vapor phase to the liquid phase. Likewise, thetemperature of the cleaning fluid output by the steam distributor 24 maybe less than the temperature of cleaning fluid output by the heater 26.For example, the heater 26 may have a setpoint in the range of about 165to about 180° C., however, the fluid dispensed by the steal distributor24 (after traveling along about 6 foot of tubing between an outlet ofthe heater 26 and the steam distributor 24) may comprise a mixture ofvapor and liquid droplets having a temperature of less than about 100°C. For example, the mixture of vapor and liquid droplets dispensed bythe steam distributor 24 can have a temperature in a range of from about90° C. to about 100° C., about 90° C. to about 99° C., about 90° C. toabout 98° C., about 90° C. to about 97° C., about 90° C. to about 96°C., about 90° C. to about 95° C., about 90° C. to about 94° C., about94° C. to about 100° C., about 94° C. to about 99° C., about 94° C. toabout 98° C., about 94° C. to about 97° C., about 94° C. to about 96°C., about 94° C. to about 95° C., about 95° C. to about 100° C., about95° C. to about 99° C., about 95° C. to about 98° C., about 95° C. toabout 97° C., about 95° C. to about 96° C., about 96° C. to about 100°C., about 96° C. to about 99° C., about 96° C. to about 98° C., about96° C. to about 97° C., about 97° C. to about 100° C., about 97° C. toabout 99° C., about 97° C. to about 98° C., about 98° C. to about 100°C., about 98° C. to about 99° C., or about 99° C. to about 100° C.Without being limited by any theory, the difference in temperature ofthe fluid exiting the heater 26 and the fluid dispensed from the steamdistributor 24 may be due at least in part to loss of heat to thesurrounding environment as the fluid travels between heater 26 and thesteam distributor.

The fluid recovery system 16 can include an extraction path in the formof an extraction nozzle 28 provided on the cleaning tool 22, which isadapted to be used on the surface to be cleaned, a recovery tank 30, anda flexible hose assembly 32 defining a portion of a vacuum or suctionconduit 33 in fluid communication with the extraction nozzle 28 and therecovery tank 30. The recovery tank 30 can include an air/liquidseparator (not shown) that includes a stack for guiding air and liquidthrough the recovery tank 30 and a float for selectively closing theextraction path through the recovery tank 30. Examples of suitableair/liquid separators are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,226, issuedJul. 11, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,615,703, issued Apr. 11, 2017, bothof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Otherair/liquid separators are possible. The recovery tank 30 can be formedof a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user toview the contents thereof. The recovery tank 30 can be removably mountedon the main housing 12.

The fluid recovery system 16 further includes a suction source 34, forexample in the form of a motor/fan assembly including a vacuum motor 36,in fluid communication with the extraction nozzle 28 for generating aworking airflow to draw liquid and entrained debris through theextraction path. The suction source 34 can be provided fluidlydownstream of the recovery tank 30, although other extraction paths arepossible.

Various arrangements for the housing 12 and tanks 18, 30 are possible.In one arrangement, the main housing 12 can include a carry handle 42 toform an easy-to-carry unit with the supply and recovery tanks 18, 30that can be transported by a user to different locations with surfacesto be cleaned. The main housing 12 can further include a base 38 onwhich the supply and recovery tanks 18, 30 are at least partiallysupported, and a partition 40 extending upwardly from the base 38,between the supply and recovery tanks 18, 30. The partition 40 cancomprise an enclosure housing one or more components of the extractioncleaner 10, such as the heater 26 and the suction source 34.

The base 38 can comprise a housing with a flat bottom that is adapted torest directly on a surface, such as a horizontal surface or floorsurface. Conveniently, the carry handle 42 can be provided opposite theflat bottom so that a user can easily pick up the extraction cleaner 10.

In FIG. 1 , the hand-held tool 22 and hose 32 are shown in a use oroperational position. The hand-held tool 22 and hose 32 may be stored onthe main housing 12, for example by wrapping the hose 32 around the base38 and the tool 22 clipped or otherwise attached to the housing 12.

A brush 44 can be provided on the tool 22 for scrubbing the surface tobe cleaned. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the brush 44 cancomprise a plurality of bristles. The bristles can be bundled togetherin tufts to provide the desired stiffness and durability for agitation.Other agitators for the tool 22 are possible.

A user interface 46 through which the user can provide inputs to controlthe extraction cleaner 10, including the systems or components thereof,is provided on the cleaner 10. As described in further detail below, theuser interface 46 accept inputs to control the supply of power from apower source of the extraction cleaner 10 to one or more electricalcomponents of the extraction cleaner 10. The power source of theextraction cleaner 10 can, for example, comprise a power cord 48 or abattery onboard the extraction cleaner 10. The user interface 46 isshown herein as provided adjacent the carry handle 42. Otherconfigurations for the user interface 46 are possible.

Various other components and combinations of components can beincorporated into the fluid delivery system 14, such as pumps, valves,and/or fluid control features, as well as suitable conduits or tubingfluidly connecting the components of the fluid delivery system 14together to effect the supply of cleaning fluid from the supply tank 18to the distributors 20, 24.

In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system 14 includes a flow controlsystem for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 18 to thedistributors 20, 24. In one configuration, the flow control system cancomprise a liquid supply pump 50 which pressurizes a liquid dispensingpath 52 of the system 14 and controls the delivery of cleaning fluid tothe liquid distributor 20, and a steam supply pump 54 which pressurizesa steam dispensing path 56 of the system 14 and controls the delivery ofsteam to the steam distributor 24. The pumps 50, 54 can be a solenoidpump, a centrifugal pump, or the like. While separate pumps 50, 54 areillustrated for supplying fluid to the distributors 20, 24,respectively, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for asingle, split, or multi-stage pump to be utilized to supply fluid to thedistributors 20, 24.

In some embodiments, the liquid pump 50 delivers cleaning fluid at ahigher flow rate than the steam pump 54. In one non-limiting example,the liquid pump 50 delivers cleaning liquid at a flow rate of about 400mL/min measured at the liquid distributor 20 and the steam pump 54delivers steam at a flow rate of about 40 mL/min measured at the steamdistributor 24. In other embodiments, the pumps 50, 54 can have multiplespeeds and/or flow rates so that a flow rate of cleaning fluid out ofthe distributors 20, 24 can be varied.

The paths 52, 56 can include one or more ducts, tubing, hoses, etc.fluidly coupling the components of the fluid delivery system 14together. As shown in FIG. 2 , portions of the suction conduit 33, theliquid dispensing path 52, and the steam dispensing path 56 can bedefined by the hose assembly 32 and the tool 22. For example, the paths52, 56 can include separate liquid and steam conduits routed through thehose assembly 32, such as inside the suction conduit 33 used forextraction. In another embodiment, one or both of the liquid and steamconduits can be routed along an exterior of the suction conduit 33.Suitable air, liquid, and steam connectors (not shown) can be providedat either end of the hose assembly 32 for connection with the fluidsupply and recovery components of the main housing 12 and the tool 22.

The dispensing of cleaning fluid by the tool 22 may be controlled by theuser. For example, the extraction cleaner 10 can include dispensingvalves 58, 60 that control the flow of cleaning fluid through thedistributors, respectively to the distributors 20, 24, with thedistributors 20, 24 configured to distribute cleaning fluid upon openingof the dispensing valves 58, 60. Aside from this function, thedispensing valves 58, are not particularly limited, and may comprise anycomponents and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a dispensingvalve. The dispensing valves 58, 60 can, for example, be disposed on thehand-held cleaning tool 22 or on a wand connecting the cleaning tool 22to the hose 32 and may be associated with appropriate user controls foroperating the valves 58, 60.

The distributors 20, 24 can comprise any structure, such as a nozzle, aspray tip, or a manifold, and can comprise one or multiple outlets forcleaning fluid. In one non-limiting example, the liquid distributor 20is a spray tip configured to distribute cleaning fluid upon opening ofthe valve 58 and the steam distributor 24 is a spray tip configured todistribute cleaning fluid upon opening of the valve 60. Referring toFIG. 1 , the steam distributor 24 is shown located on an underside ofthe tool 22 adjacent the liquid distributor 20. In this location, thesteam distributor 24 is located behind the extraction nozzle 28 and thebrush 44, so that steam dispensed from the distributor 24 can be viewedby the user and does not get suctioned into the nozzle 28 beforereaching the surface to be cleaned. In another embodiment, the steamdistributor 24 can be a manifold located behind the inlet of theextraction nozzle 28 and in front of the brush 44.

The tool 22 can comprise at least one dispensing control operablyconnected to one of the valves 58, 60 to affect and control opening andclosing of the valves 58, 60. Non-limiting examples of a dispensingcontrol include a trigger, button, toggle, key, switch, or the like, orany combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the release of cleaning fluid can becontrolled by a trigger 68. The trigger 68 can operate both valves 58,60, where depressing the trigger 68 opens both valves 58, 60. Release ofthe trigger 68 closes the valves 58, 60. The trigger 68 and valves 58,60 can be located on the tool 22, or on a wand 70 connecting the tool 22to the hose 32.

In one embodiment, the trigger 68 operates a dual-stem valve body 72coupled with a valve head 74 for the liquid valve 58 and a valve head 76for the steam valve 60, where the valve heads 74, 76 can open or closethe dispensing paths 52, 56 to the distributors 20, 24. The trigger 68and valve body 72 are biased outwardly from the tool 22 or wand 70 by atleast one, and optionally more than one, spring 78 to a position wherethe valve heads 74, 74 block, plug, or otherwise close the dispensingpaths 52, 56 to the distributors 20, 24. In FIG. 3 , the trigger 68 isundepressed and the valves 58, 60 are closed, with the valve heads 74,74 closing off an upstream portion of the dispensing paths 52U, 56U froma downstream portion of the dispensing paths 52D, 56D. Depression of thetrigger 68 forces the valve body 72 to move, against the bias of thespring or springs 78, and the valve heads 74, 76 to unlock, unplug, orotherwise open the dispensing paths 52, 56 to the distributors 20, 24.

The dual-stem valve body 72 can include integrally-formed stems 75, 77,each supporting or coupled with one of the valve heads 74, 76, such thatthe entire valve body 72 moves as one by depression of the trigger 68 orunder the biasing force of the spring or springs 78.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10 , in an alternative embodiment, the trigger 68operates individual valve bodies 120, 122 for the liquid valve 58 andsteam valve 60, respectively. The trigger 68 may still operate bothvalves 58, 60, and may be operable under decreased force in comparisonto the dual-stem configuration.

The liquid valve body 120 can include a valve stem 124 supporting orcoupled with a valve head 126, and biased by a spring 128 to a positionwhere the valve head 126 blocks, plugs, or otherwise closes thedispensing path 52 to the liquid distributor 20 (FIG. 2 ).

The steam valve body 122 can include a valve stem 130 supporting orcoupled with a valve head 132, and biased by a spring 134 to a positionwhere the valve head 132 blocks, plugs, or otherwise closes thedispensing path 54 to the steam distributor 24 (FIG. 2 ).

In FIG. 9 , the trigger 68 is undepressed and the valves 58, 60 areclosed. Depression of the trigger 68 forces the valve bodies 120, 122 tomove, against the bias of the springs 128, 134, and the valve heads 126,132 to unlock, unplug, or otherwise open the dispensing paths 52, 56 tothe distributors 20, 24.

The valve heads 126, 132 and/or the trigger 68 may have anti-rotationfeatures to prevent rotation of either stem 124, 130 that could blockflow internal to the valves 58, 60. The valve heads 126, 132 may, forexample, align with ribs 136 on an inner surface of the trigger 68 toprevent rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the valve heads bodies120, 122 may have flats 138, 140, respectively that are engaged by theribs 136 or another portion of the trigger 68 to prevent rotation.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 , as described in further detail below, in someembodiments, release of liquid and/or steam upon depression of thetrigger 68 can be mode-dependent. In other words, depending on aselected cleaning mode of the extraction cleaner 10, depression of thetrigger 68 may or may not release liquid to the liquid distributor 20and may or may not release steam to the steam distributor 24. In someaspects, the vacuum motor remains actuated/on in each of the selectablecleaning modes, such that suction remains actuated both when the trigger68 is depressed and also when it is not depressed.

In yet another embodiment, a separate steam dispensing control (notshown) selectively operates the steam valve 60 to control steamdispensing, while the trigger 68 selectively operates the liquid valve58 to control liquid dispensing. A user may operate both controls at thesame time for simultaneous liquid and steam dispensing.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, an optional check valve 62 inthe fluid path between the supply tank 18 and the steam supply pump 54provides unidirectional flow of fluid through the path 56, i.e.,preventing backflow into the tank 18. When present, the check valve 62is configured for unidirectional flow into or through the steam supplypump 54 (e.g. in one direction from the tank 18 to the pump 54). Asidefrom this function, the check valve 62 is not particularly limited, andmay comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/asa check valve. In some aspects, when present, the check valve 62 mayinhibit forward flow of liquid from the supply tank 18 in the event ofnegative pressure in the fluid path 56 as the heater 26 cools. This mayinhibit and/or minimize creepage of liquid from the supply tank 18through the path 56 when the heater 26 is de-activated after use. Thecreepage of liquid from the supply tank 18 after de-activation of theheater 26 may result in liquid remaining in the path 56 such that thenext time the user activated the cleaner 10 in a mode that includessteam, this liquid remaining in the path 56 from the previous use wouldbe dispensed in front of the steam, which may be undesirable to theuser.

A first or positive pressure relief device 64 in the fluid path betweenthe supply tank 18 and the hose 32 controls or limits the pressure inthe fluid delivery system 14. The first pressure relief device 64 opensat a predetermined set positive pressure to protect the fluid deliverysystem 14 from being subjected to high pressures that exceed theirdesign criteria. When the set pressure is met or exceeded, the pressurerelief device 64 diverts cleaning fluid through a bypass line 66 to therecovery tank 30. Aside from this function, the pressure relief device64 is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/orconfigurations suitable for use in/as a pressure relief. In oneembodiment, the pressure relief device 64 is a spring valve that opensat a predetermined set pressure.

During steam generation, pressure will build in the fluid deliverysystem 14 unless the pressure is released. Pressure is released, forexample, when the trigger 68 is depressed to dispense steam from thesteam distributor 24. When the trigger 68 is not pressed or the steamvalve 60 otherwise remains closed for a period of time, when the heater26 is activated, pressure will build in the in the fluid delivery system14 as liquid is heated and steam is generated. When the pressure in thefluid delivery system 14 reaches the set pressure, the pressure reliefdevice 64 opens, and cleaning fluid circulates back to the recovery tank30 via the bypass line 66, allowing pressure to vent via the recoverysystem 16. Once pressure in the fluid delivery system 14 drops below theset pressure, such as may occur if the trigger 68 is pressed to releasecleaning fluid or if the cleaner 10 is powered off, the pressure reliefdevice 64 closes. The recovery tank 30 is fluidly coupled with theairflow generated by the vacuum motor 36 such that the recovery tank 30vents to atmosphere by way of the vacuum motor exhaust when the vacuummotor 36 is powered off.

The set pressure may be, for example, about 10 PSI to about 30 PSI,about 10 PSU to about 20 PSI, about 10 PSI, about 11 PSI, about 12 PSI,about 13 PSI, about 14 PSI, about 15 PSI, about 16 PSI, about 17 PSI, orabout 18 PSI, although it is understood that the set pressure may varydepending on the design limits of the portable extraction cleaner 10. Insome embodiments, the first pressure relief device 64 can be configuredto begin opening when a first predetermined set pressure is reached andthen fully open when a second predetermined set pressure, greater thanthe first, is reached. For example, the first pressure relief device 64can be configured to begin to open when the pressure reaches about 10PSI and fully open when the pressure reaches about 18 PSI.

The cleaner 10 can include a second or negative pressure relief device65 provided in the steam dispensing path 56. The second pressure reliefdevice 65 can be used alone or in combination with the first pressurerelief device 64. The second pressure relief device 65 can be configuredto open to the ambient environment at a predetermined set negativepressure. Aside from this function, the pressure relief device 65 is notparticularly limited, and may comprise any components and/orconfigurations suitable for use in/as a pressure relief. In oneembodiment, the second pressure relief device 65 is a spring valve thatopens at a predetermined set pressure.

As the heater 26 cools (such as when the cleaner 10 is powered off orthe user selects a mode that does not include steam), a negativepressure may be generated in the steam dispensing path 56. The systemmay attempt to equalize this pressure by drawing liquid from the tank 14into the steam dispensing path 56. This may result in liquid remainingin the steam dispensing path 56 during storage or in between useconditions. This liquid remaining in the steam dispensing path 56 maythen be dispensed the next time the user depresses the trigger 68, whichmay be surprising and undesirable. In addition, liquid remaining in thesteam dispensing path 56 during long storage periods may not bedesirable. The second pressure relief device 65 can be configured toopen to atmosphere at a predetermined set negative pressure, e.g., −1PSI, to prevent or minimize the amount of liquid drawn into the steamdispensing path 56 from the tank 14 during cooling of the heater 26.Once pressure in the steam dispensing path 56 rises above the setnegative pressure, the pressure relief device 65 closes.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the user interface 46. Theuser interface 46 can have a power button 80 to activate and de-activeat least one electrical component of the extraction cleaner 10 and amode selector to select a cleaning mode. The mode selector comprises adial 82 surrounding the power button 80. The dial 82 has multiplepositions corresponding to different cleaning modes. In anotherembodiment, the user interface 46 can include a rotary dial selectorthat can be rotated by a user between multiple positions to select acleaning mode and to turn the extraction cleaner off. In yet anotherembodiment, the user interface 46 can include individual buttons orswitches that allow a user to select a particular cleaning mode,optionally with a separate power switch.

The extraction cleaner 10 can have a liquid/steam cleaning mode, aliquid cleaning mode, and a steam cleaning mode. Each position has anicon 84, 86, 88 in the form of a graphic, symbol, word, or a combinationthereof that gives the user an indication of the cleaning modecorresponding to that position of the dial 82. For example, the positioncorresponding to the liquid/steam cleaning mode has an icon 84 in theform of a graphic depicting a drop of liquid and steam, the positioncorresponding to the liquid cleaning mode has an icon 86 in the form ofa graphic depicting a drop of liquid, and the position corresponding tothe steam cleaning mode has an icon 88 in the form of a graphicdepicting steam.

The user interface 46 has at least one status indicator thatcommunicates a condition or status of the extraction cleaner 10 to theuser, including, but not limited to, communicating the selected cleaningmode to the user. Non-limiting examples of status indicators includevisual indicators such as lights (e.g., LEDs), icon displays, textualdisplays, graphical displays, or the like, or any combination thereof.The user interface 46 can also include an auditory output component,such as a speaker. In FIG. 4 , the status indicator is an indicatorlight 90 carried by the dial 82. In operation, a user can select adesired cleaning mode by turning the dial 82 until the indicator light90 points to the icon 84, 86, 88 associated with the desired cleaningmode.

The cleaning modes can have associated operating parameters for theheater 26, vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50, and/or steam pump 54 (FIG. 2). The power cord 48 provides power to the electrical components of theextraction cleaner 10 from a source of power, such as a home powersupply, upon actuation of the power button 80 dependent on the selectedcleaning mode. Alternatively, the extraction cleaner 10 can be cordlessand powered by a portable power supply, such as a battery, uponactuation of the power button 80 dependent on the selected cleaningmode. As noted above, in all cleaning modes, the release of cleaningfluid can be controlled by the trigger 68. Alternatively, release ofcleaning liquid can be controlled by the trigger 68 and release of steamcan be controlled by a separate steam control. In some aspects, thevacuum motor 36 is activated in each of the selectable cleaning modesand remains activated in each cleaning mode regardless of whether or notthe trigger 68 is depressed by the user.

Table 1 below lists some non-limiting examples of operating parametersfor the cleaning modes, including whether the heater 26, vacuum motor36, liquid pump 50, and steam pump 54 are on or off. Other operatingparameters for the cleaning modes and other cleaning modes are possible.

TABLE 1 Cleaning Mode Vacuum Motor Liquid Pump Steam Pump HeaterLiquid/Steam ON ON ON ON Liquid ON ON OFF OFF Steam ON OFF ON ON

FIG. 5 is an electrical system schematic for the portable extractioncleaner 10 of FIG. 1-4 . Power to the vacuum motor 36, liquid pump 50and heater 26 are controlled by switches (e.g., microswitches) 94, 96,98, respectively. When the extraction cleaner 10 turns on, e.g. by auser pressing the power button 80 (FIG. 4 ), the vacuum motor 36 isactivated. The liquid pump 50 is not activated until one of the cleaningmodes with liquid delivery is selected. In other words, the liquid pump50 turns on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the liquid cleaningmode. Similarly, the heater 26 is not activated until one of thecleaning modes with steam is selected. In other words, the heater 26turns on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the steam cleaningmode. Rotation of the dial 82 (FIG. 4 ) to select a cleaning modeselectively actuates the pump switch 96 and the heater switch 98,dependent on the selected cleaning mode. For example, the dial 82 can becoupled with a cam (not shown) that selectively closes the microswitches96, 98 dependent on the selected cleaning mode.

Power to the steam pump 54 is controlled by a first temperature switch100 that controls when the steam pump 54 energizes to limit any unheatedwater from coming out of the tool 22 at the beginning of operation. Thetemperature switch 100 senses temperature at the heater 26 and turns thesteam pump 54 on at a predetermined minimum temperature. The minimumtemperature can correspond to a minimum temperature at which steam isproduced by the heater 26. When the minimum temperature is met orexceeded, the temperature switch 100 powers the steam pump 54 topressurize the steam dispensing path 56 and deliver steam to the tool22. Aside from this function, the temperature switch 100 is notparticularly limited, and may comprise any components and/orconfigurations suitable for use in/as a temperature switch. In oneembodiment, the temperature switch 100 is a normally-open (NO)thermostat on the heater 26. When the minimum temperature is met orexceeded, the thermostat closes and powers the steam pump 54.

The minimum temperature may be, for example, 165° C., although it isunderstood that the minimum temperature may vary depending on the designlimits of the portable extraction cleaner 10 and the desiredcharacteristics of the dispensed steam. The minimum temperature may beset based on an expected minimum operating temperature for the heater 26that will produce steam with a desired stream quality.

The extraction cleaner 10 can include an indicator light 102 to indicateto the user when steam is ready and available for dispensing. Thisindicator light 102 can be energized by the first temperature switch100. The indicator light 102 can comprise at least one light sourcebehind a transparent or translucent cover, and may be located on themain housing 12, such as on the partition 40 and/or on the userinterface 46, or on the tool 22. The light can comprise any element orassembly capable of emitting light, and can, for example, a lightemitting diode (LED) as shown herein. Other lights include incandescentlamps, e.g. halogen, arc lamps, and gas-discharge lamps, e.g.fluorescent.

A second temperature switch 104 cuts off power to the heater 26 at apredetermined maximum temperature to control or limit the temperature ofthe heater 26. The temperature switch 104 senses temperature at theheater 26 and cuts off power to the heater 26 at a predetermined maximumtemperature. The maximum temperature can be a temperature at which theheater 126 may operate within the design limits of the surroundingcomponents of the extraction cleaner 10, and may also be a thresholdabove which heater 26 need not operated to produce a desired steamoutput for effective cleaning. When the maximum temperature is met orexceeded, the temperature switch 104 cuts off power to the heater 26 toallow the heater 26 to cool. Once the temperature of the heater 26 dropsbelow the maximum temperature, the temperature switch 104 supplies powerto the heater 26 and the heater 26 is energized. Aside from thisfunction, the temperature switch 104 is not particularly limited, andmay comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/asa temperature switch. In one embodiment, the temperature switch 104 is anormally-closed (NC) thermostat on the heater 26. When the maximumtemperature is met or exceeded, the thermostat opens and cuts off powerto the heater 26. When the temperature of the heater 26 drops below themaximum temperature, the thermostat closes and the heater 26 isenergized.

The predetermined maximum temperature may be, for example, 180° C.,although it is understood that the maximum temperature may varydepending on the design limits of the portable extraction cleaner 10 andthe desired characteristics of the dispensed steam.

FIG. 6 shows a portable extraction cleaner 10 according to a secondembodiment of the invention, in which like elements are referred to withthe same referenced numerals used for the first embodiment. In thesecond embodiment, a pressure control device 92 cuts off power to thesteam pump 54 to control or limit the pressure in the fluid deliverysystem 14. The pressure control device 92 cuts off power to the steampump 54 at a predetermined control pressure to prevent excessivecleaning fluid from being wasted through the first pressure reliefdevice 64. When the control pressure is met or exceeded, the pressurecontrol device 92 cuts off power to the steam pump 54 to stop cleaningfluid from flowing through the steam dispensing path 56. Once thepressure drops below the control pressure, the pressure control device92 supplies power to the steam pump 54 and the steam pump 54 isenergized. Aside from this function, the pressure control device 92 isnot particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/orconfigurations suitable for use in/as a control device for a pump. Inone embodiment, the pressure control device 92 is an electrical switch,such as a normally-closed (NC) pressure switch.

The control pressure is preferably lower than the set pressure at whichthe pressure relief device 64 opens, so that the pressure can first bealleviated by turning off the steam pump 54 and not circulating freshcleaning fluid into the recovery tank 30. If pressure continues to riseor the pressure control device 92 fails, the pressure relief device 64acts as a backup. The control pressure may be, for example, 4 PSI,although it is understood that the control pressure may vary dependingon the design limits of the portable extraction cleaner 10.

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a user interface 106 forthe extraction cleaner 10 of FIG. 1 . The user interface 106 included arotary dial selector 108 that can be rotated by a user between multiplepositions to select a cleaning mode and to turn the extraction cleaneroff. Each position has an icon 110, 112, 114, 116 in the form of agraphic, symbol, word, or a combination thereof that gives the user anindication of the cleaning mode corresponding to that position of thedial selector 108. For example, the position corresponding to turningthe extraction cleaner off has an icon 110 in the form of the word“OFF”, the position corresponding to the liquid/steam cleaning mode hasan icon 112 in the form of a graphic depicting a drop of liquid andsteam, the position corresponding to the liquid cleaning mode has anicon 114 in the form of a graphic depicting a drop of liquid, and theposition corresponding to the steam cleaning mode has an icon 116 in theform of a graphic depicting steam. In FIG. 7 , the dial selector 108 isin the “OFF” position and points to icon 110. To turn the extractioncleaner 10 on and select a desired cleaning mode, a user can turn thedial selector 108 until it points to the icon 112, 114, 116 associatedwith the desired cleaning mode.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment of an electrical system schematic for theportable extraction cleaner 10 of FIG. 1 . A single multi-positionrotary switch 118 can provide different actuation states for multiplecircuits S1, S2, S3 for controlling operation of the heater 26, vacuummotor 36, liquid pump 50, and steam pump 54. The rotary switch 118 can,for example, comprise a 4-position rotary switch 118 controlled by thedial selector 108 (FIG. 7 ). The switches S1, S2, S3 are connected toconnectors A, B which provide input signals indicative of the activationstate of circuits S1, S2, S3 in order to provide four modes of operationutilizing the three circuits S1, S2, S3. The liquid pump 50 is activatedby circuit S1, the heater 26 and steam pump 54 are activated by circuitS2, and the vacuum motor 36 is activated by circuit S3.

Table 2 provides a list of the mode selection possibilities of the4-position rotary switch 118 with circuits S1, S2, S3 in the differentactivation states.

TABLE 2 Switch Position S1 S2 S3 OFF 0 0 0 Liquid/Steam 1 1 1 Liquid 1 01 Steam 0 1 1

When the extraction cleaner 10 turns on, e.g. by a user rotating thedial selector 108 (FIG. 7 ) until it points to the icon 112, 114, 116 ofthe desired cleaning mode, the vacuum motor 36 is activated by circuitS3. The liquid pump 50 is not activated until one of the cleaning modeswith liquid delivery is selected. In other words, circuit S1 turns theliquid pump 50 on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the liquidcleaning mode. The heater 26 is not activated until one of the cleaningmodes with steam is selected. In other words, the circuit S2 turns theheater 26 on in the liquid/steam cleaning mode and in the steam cleaningmode. In addition to the second circuit S2, power to the steam pump 54is controlled by first temperature switch 100 as described for theembodiment of FIG. 5 . Other components such as the indicator light 102and second temperature switch 104 also operate as described for theembodiment of FIG. 5 .

While shown on a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a userfor cleaning relatively small areas, in other embodiments the functionalsystems of the surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery can bearranged into other configurations, such as an upright device having abase and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to becleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to awheeled base by a vacuum hose, or a commercial device. Any of theaforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuumhose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between anozzle and the suction source.

While the device is illustrated as an extraction cleaner, in otherembodiments the surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery can bemay be applicable surface cleaning apparatus which have steam deliverycapability but not extraction capabilities.

To the extent not already described, the different features andstructures of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may beused in combination with each other as desired. Thus, the variousfeatures of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched asdesired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments areexpressly described.

The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of thedisclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure asdefined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted inaccordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine ofequivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrativepurposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description ofall embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims tothe specific elements illustrated or described in connection with theseembodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example,using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construedas limiting the element to the singular.

Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are notlimited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methodsdescribed in the detailed description, which may vary between particularembodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Withrespect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describingparticular features or aspects of various embodiments, different,special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member ofthe respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members.Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or incombination and provides adequate support for specific embodimentswithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a hand-carried body adaptedto be hand carried by a user, the hand-carried body comprising: a mainhousing; a supply tank disposed on the main housing; a liquid supplypump; a steam supply pump; and a heater; a flexible hose mounted to thehand-carried body and comprising a first conduit in fluid communicationwith the liquid supply pump and a second conduit in fluid communicationwith the steam supply pump; a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an endof the hose and comprising a liquid distributor to deliver liquidcleaning fluid and a steam distributor to deliver steam; and a firstpressure relief device in a supply path between the supply tank and thehose to limit the pressure in the supply path, the first pressure reliefdevice configured to open at a predetermined set pressure.
 2. Thesurface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, comprising a vacuum motor mountedwithin the main housing and a recovery tank disposed on the mainhousing, wherein: the flexible hose comprises a third conduit in fluidcommunication with the recovery tank; and the hand-held cleaning toolcomprises an extraction nozzle to recover soiled cleaning fluid from thesurface to be cleaned.
 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2,comprising a bypass line diverting cleaning fluid from the supply pathto the recovery tank, wherein the first pressure relief device normallycloses the bypass line, and wherein the first pressure relief deviceopens the bypass line at the predetermined set pressure.
 4. The surfacecleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pressure relief deviceis fluidly downstream of the steam supply pump and fluidly upstream ofthe heater.
 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, comprising acheck valve in a supply path between the supply tank and the steamsupply pump to provide unidirectional flow of cleaning fluid from thesupply tank to the steam supply pump.
 6. The surface cleaning apparatusof claim 1, comprising a pressure control device to cut off power to thesteam supply pump at a predetermined control pressure.
 7. The surfacecleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pressure control devicedetects pressure fluidly downstream of the steam supply pump and fluidlyupstream of at least one of: the heater; and the first pressure reliefdevice.
 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein thepredetermined control pressure is less than the predetermined setpressure.
 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein thepressure control device is a normally-closed pressure switch.
 10. Thesurface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, comprising a temperature switchto control power to the steam supply pump, wherein the temperatureswitch senses temperature at the heater and powers the steam supply pumpat a predetermined minimum temperature.
 11. The surface cleaningapparatus of claim 1, comprising a temperature switch to cut off powerto the heater at a predetermined temperature.
 12. The surface cleaningapparatus of claim 1, comprising: a liquid dispensing valve to controlthe flow of cleaning liquid to the liquid distributor; a steamdispensing valve to control the flow of steam to the steam distributor;and a trigger controlling the liquid dispensing valve and the steamdispensing valve, wherein depressing the trigger opens both the liquiddispensing valve and the steam dispensing valve.
 13. The surfacecleaning apparatus of claim 12, comprising a wand connecting thehand-held cleaning tool to the hose, wherein the trigger and the valvesare located on the wand.
 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1,comprising a user interface on the main housing, the user interfacecomprising: a power button to activate and de-active at least oneelectrical component of the surface cleaning apparatus; and a modeselector to select one of a plurality of cleaning modes.
 15. The surfacecleaning apparatus of claim 14, comprising: a power source; a vacuummotor switch to control a supply of power from the power source to avacuum motor, wherein selection of the power button closes the vacuummotor switch to power the vacuum motor; a pump switch to control asupply of power from the power source to the liquid supply pump, whereinselection of the power button selectively closes the pump switch topower the liquid supply pump dependent on the selected cleaning mode;and a heater switch to control a supply of power from the power sourceto the heater, wherein selection of the power button selectively closesthe heater switch to power the heater dependent on the selected cleaningmode.
 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein: theplurality of cleaning modes comprise a liquid/steam cleaning mode, aliquid cleaning mode, and a steam cleaning mode; selection of the powerbutton in the liquid/steam cleaning mode closes the pump switch to powerthe liquid supply pump and closes the heater switch to power the heater;selection of the power button in the liquid cleaning mode closes thepump switch to power the liquid supply pump and does not close theheater switch; and selection of the power button in the steam cleaningmode closes the heater switch to power the heater and does not close thepump switch.
 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehand-carried body comprises: a main housing comprising a base adapted torest directly on a floor surface; a partition extending upwardly fromthe base; and a carry handle on an upper portion of the partition;wherein the supply tank is removably mounted to the main housing on afirst side of the partition and a recovery tank is removably mounted tothe main housing on a second side of the partition; wherein the heater,the liquid supply pump, and the steam supply pump are positioned belowthe carry handle.
 18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1,comprising a second pressure relief device in a portion of the supplypath between the heater and the hand-held cleaning tool to limit thepressure in the supply path, wherein the first pressure relief device isconfigured to open at a first set pressure and the second pressurerelief device is configured to open at a second set pressure, differentthan the first set pressure.
 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim18, wherein the first pressure relief device opens at a positivepressure and the second pressure relief device opens at a negativepressure.
 20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein thesecond pressure relief device opens to the ambient environment at apredetermined pressure.